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About Me

I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations.
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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Cramping My Style

Yesterday, after a busy morning both working and visiting my
prosthetist, I decided to relax by taking a walk. The weather was
gorgeous, and I figured it was the perfect opportunity to test walk my
new socket. Eager to take advantage of the sunshine and burn some
calories, I headed out the door.

By the time I reached the end of
our street my stump was aching. I chalked it up to the socket and
paused to readjust the fit. It immediately felt better, and I continued
my afternoon jaunt with a happy spring in my step.

I was about a
mile away from my house when my leg began to cramp. Typically I can walk
through the cramp and it doesn't last long. This time each step made
the pain more intense. By the time I made my way to the guardrail on the
side of the road, pain filled tears were filling my eyes and I could
not bear weight on my prosthesis.

My toes felt like they were
being twisted in opposite directions, and my ankle felt like it was
being beaten with a hammer. Frantically I sat down on the guardrail and
worked to remove my leg. What remains of my calf muscle was in such a
spasm that it made removing my prosthesis extremely difficult. After
about five agonizing minutes I was able to free my limb.

It
felt like the cramp would be relieved if I could wiggle my toes.
Unfortunately I don't have my foot anymore, so that eliminated that
possibility. I tried to imagine my toes and move them, but that simply
intensified the muscle contortions. All I could do was balance on the
guard rail and wait for the muscle to relax.

The pain became so
intense I began to see stars, sweat profusely and shake. I ended up
sliding down the guardrail, sitting precariously on the side of the road
in what I am hoping was not poison ivy. Rubbing my leg provided little
relief, and for the first time in a long time, I felt completely
helpless.

During the 40 minutes I sat on the side of the road
with my leg removed, I was passed by countless cars and trucks. I was
disappointed that not one of my neighbors slowed down and offered
assistance. I surely would have offered to help if I saw somebody I knew
in that situation!

Finally the muscle relaxed enough for me to
don my leg and hobble back home. Mr. Bill saw me coming down our
street, immediately knowing that something was wrong he hopped in his
truck and picked me up. This gesture restored some faith in humanity,
and I promised that I would call him if I ever encountered a problem
when I'm walking.

Last night my entire body was sore. Apparently
all of my muscles tightened during the incident because it felt like I
had hit a brick wall. Today I wish I could simply rest. Instead I'm
switching to my other leg and assuming chaperone duties for Robby's much
anticipated field trip to the farm! Hopefully nothing will happen to
"cramp" my fun Momom style!